ua en ru

Rubio pledges to uphold law blocking Trump from exiting NATO

Rubio pledges to uphold law blocking Trump from exiting NATO Photo: US Secretary of State candidate Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
Author: Daryna Vialko

Marco Rubio, the nominee for Secretary of State, pledged to adhere to the law preventing any US President, including Donald Trump, from withdrawing the country from NATO without congressional approval. He also expressed general support for the defense alliance, CNN reports.

Today, Rubio spoke at a Senate hearing to confirm his nomination for Secretary of State. When asked by Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire whether he would follow the law if Trump attempted to withdraw the US from NATO, Rubio responded affirmatively.

Notably, this law was once promoted by Rubio. It prohibits the US President from withdrawing the country from NATO without the approval of the Senate or an act of Congress.

"I was a co-sponsor of the law, and so it’s tough to say I’m not in support of a law that I helped to pass and that I think it’s an important role for Congress to play,” Rubio stated.

While Rubio voiced support for NATO, he also stressed that member states should improve funding for their defense budgets.

During his campaign, Donald Trump suggested he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants with any NATO member failing to meet defense spending guidelines. He even threatened to disregard collective defense commitments under such circumstances.

The law prohibiting any president from withdrawing the United States from NATO without congressional approval was adopted in December 2023.

Trump's skepticism toward NATO dates back to his first term. He even went so far as to talk about a possible withdrawal from the alliance.

Read more about what to expect from the next American President in the material by RBC-Ukraine.